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Geo.lea
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| Ticking Frog (Geocrinia leai) |
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A small climbing frog growing to a maximum length of 2.5 cm. The back is dark brown surrounding an irregular, central patch of grey to black colour. The belly is smooth and has a distinctive, greenish hue. The hind limbs are relatively long and powerful and the thighs have several dark cross-bands. Unlike any of the other small ground frogs (family Myobatrachidae), the ticking frog has expanded discs on the fingers and toes to help it climb.
Listen to call
Approx. 36k Requires
Quicktime 4 or higher.
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Distribution
Found throughout the moist, forested parts of the southwest region from the darling Ranges just east of Perth, south and eastwards to the Albany district (not found on the Swan Coastal Plain).
Habitat
Found along stream and creek systems with greatest abundance in the moist forest regions. Often found amongst sword grasses and sedges.
Breeding
A late autumn to winter breeder, with the greatest activity timed to coincide with high water levels in the streams and ponds.
Call
A repeated 'tk tk tk tk tk.'.
Eggs
Up to 100 or so eggs are laid at a time. These are attached by jelly at the base of vegetation adjacent to the water bodies, with several females sometimes using the same site. After a period of development within the eggs, the tadpoles break free of jelly and wriggle into the water. This usually takes place during rain which also helps to break up the egg mass and washes any stray tadpoles into the water.
Tadpoles
The tadpoles of this species are relatively small and take a long time to develop (as long as 4 months). They are well adapted to life in flowing water with deep fins and enlarged mouthparts which can act as a suction device to prevent them being washed away in fast moving water. Some tadpoles have a bright pair of stripes on the back.
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